We also have "whoever calls upon the Name of the Lord shall be saved" (Acts 2:21) and Jesus' Word that "he who endures to the end shall be saved." (Matt 10:22). Is it either/or, or is it actually both.
If we "neglect so great a salvation" by not "working it out with fear and trembling", we will be found wanting in that Day.
Again, our True faith is only evident to God by what we actually do.
And, yes, we have John 3:16 (which actually doesn't' mention "salvation"), but then we have, concerning Jesus in Hebrews - "having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" - Heb 5:9) Again, is it either/or, or is it both?
As with a cake recipe, we must use ALL the ingredients to achieve the final end.
So too, we must receive and follow ALL that the Word declares to attain that Goal set before us.
Amen.
If we "neglect so great a salvation" by not "working it out with fear and trembling", we will be found wanting in that Day.
Again, our True faith is only evident to God by what we actually do.
And, yes, we have John 3:16 (which actually doesn't' mention "salvation"), but then we have, concerning Jesus in Hebrews - "having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" - Heb 5:9) Again, is it either/or, or is it both?
As with a cake recipe, we must use ALL the ingredients to achieve the final end.
So too, we must receive and follow ALL that the Word declares to attain that Goal set before us.
Amen.
That "OBEY HIM", has to be for the RIGHT MOTIVE, which is AGAPE LOVE; or it is filthy rags, and the Wrong Motive is out of a sense of DUTY or OBLIGATION; and also a Payment of some sort, such as I HAVE TO, TO become Saved.
Romans 4:3-5 (HCSB)
3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.
4 Now to the one who works, pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed.
5 But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares the ungodly to be righteous, his faith is credited for righteousness.
Romans 11:6 (HCSB)
6 Now if by grace, then it is not by works; otherwise grace ceases to be grace.
1 Chronicles 28:9 (HCSB)
9 “As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought [.for motives.]. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.
Revelation 2:23 (ESV)
23 and I will strike her children dead. And all the churches will know that I am he who searches mind and heart [.for motives.], and I will give to each of you according to your works.
1 John 3:14 (HCSB)
14 We know that we have passed from death to life because we love our brothers. The one who does not love remains in death.
Matthew 22:37-38 (HCSB)
37 He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.
38 This is the greatest and most important command.
2 John 1:2 (HCSB)
2 because of the truth that remains in us and will be with us forever.